"Life is a HABIT...Does YOURS Need to be Broken?"

(This is an edited version of an article originally posted on January 9, 2018)

 

I recently visited with an elderly lady about her need for final expense (burial) insurance. She had filled out a card and requested to get more information about this. She acknowledged to me that she knew she needed to do something to keep her family from having to come up with the money to pay for her funeral and she acknowledged that the price I presented to her was right "on target".

That was about 3 weeks or so ago and, to this day, she still has not done anything about it and, guess what? She never will. How do I know this? Because LIFE IS A HABIT and her habit has been to NOT take action on something that she has known for quite some time that she needed to get done.

Another word for "habit" might even be "rut". It's hard to break a habit and it's hard to get out of a rut!

 

 As is the case regarding ANY significant change, the beginning IS ALWAYS the hardest part of the process. It goes against what we are comfortable with and it goes against our "daily routine" of this habit. But, just like the activity that takes place when one of those "strongest man" contestants start to pull a train car with nothing but a rope, the hardest part is the beginning! Yet, after much effort and determination, MOMENTUM finally starts to "kick in" and the wheels of that train begin to finally move. Slowly at first but they begin to roll with more ease as this momentum continues to work in the contestants favor.

As funny as this little cartoon is, the point of it is actually kind of sad, is it not? Isn't it time to finally get past this "hamster wheel" mentality that so many (you?) do year after year with these, so-called, New Year's Resolutions? Stop talking and start doing!

 Wow, what good news, right? If you go back and read my blog and listen to the podcast that I did right before the start of this new year ("Happy New Day? Happy New Year!) you find this very thing talked about. If you have followed me for very long then you have also heard me discuss the fact (yes, I said "fact") that TOMORROW does NOT exist! That 24 hour period into the future does not exist - it has not even arrived into the realm of reality. And, in the same way, that 24 hour period in the past that we call "YESTERDAY" no longer exists as well. It's gone and can never be relived or recovered. So, TODAY is the day to start making your move. Bottom line, it's all you have, friend.

GET UP AND MOVE ON! Stop dwelling on your past disappointments...what good does that do you but to disappoint you even more? Today is the day to decide to "get up and move on"!

 Are you in sales? If so, you need to "google" this guy and check out his stuff. I found this quote of his the other day and I love what it says even though it is hard to accept sometimes. But, it is TRUTH! Whether you are talking about weight loss or job and/or career success, there are many that want the RESULT but that are not willing to "pay the price". That price? CHANGE. And, again, any significant change is not easy. Never has been, never will be. HOWEVER, again, with momentum, that change becomes less and less of a burden as you continue to move forward.

 

So, are you all talk? Do you spend all of your time "dreaming" about what you will achieve and, are you one of those people that keeps telling everyone else what you are GOING TO DO? Dreaming is important! One must have a "dream" that will challenge them to move forward. However, as Jack Canfield says, the difference between just dreaming and actually putting action behind that dream (PURSUING your passion) is "taking the first step". 

 

 

 

Forget about the past! Remember, it's gone. Yes, absolutely LEARN from the past but do not allow yourself to continue to LIVE in the past. So, regardless of what you have been "planting" in the past (you may likely be "harvesting" that now) you can still "plant a new crop" starting TODAY. This is not just a "cheesy" saying or thought...it is a FACT of life, friend.

 

 

What is in your heart? What is it that you REALLY want to do and/or accomplish? What is it that "stirs" your soul and creates "purpose" in and for your life? When you allow yourself to "tune in" to whatever that is for you, your "vision" (path, direction) will become clear. Do you believe that?  For years I kept hearing about the need to create a "mission statement" for your life. I even would almost "stress out" over the fact that I couldn't come up with one. I literally would try to put something into words but I kept falling short and, as a result, I also would get discouraged. However, "out of the dark" (so to speak) as I was "immersed" in positive information it just "came to me" and came in a very clear and powerful message. The next graphic is what I came up with (or, perhaps, what came to me):

 

 

I need to work harder on getting back to this focus but, the point is, once my "heart" took over, THIS literally just "came out" or "appeared" to me. No, it wasn't magic and it definitely came from my inner thoughts and feelings (my heart). It can only be "real" and "true" when it comes out of your heart. 

Today is the day, my friend. Haven't you waited long enough? Haven't you procrastinated long enough? Are you tired of breaking the promises that you have made to yourself over the years? ONE DAY AT A TIME breaks things down into much smaller "steps" that need to be taken. You don't look at the idea of losing 50 lbs. over the next twelve months and become overwhelmed. What you DO is break that down to what is needed monthly and then daily and start making that journey.  (By the way, that comes out to .13 lbs per day).

Well? Now what? 

That's up to you. "LIFE IS A HABIT"...what do you need to do with yours?

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

 

Make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

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ASKING (parts 1 and 2)

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."    (Matthew 7: 7-8) NKJV

Go HERE to listen to the podcasts on parts 1 and 2 on the RSS feed or go HERE to listen to it on iTunes.

In these two podcasts I begin with a discussion of the first "step" of the three (Ask, Seek, Knock) and, specifically, in part 1, of how it is a sequence or a progression that naturally takes place. Also, although this IS a "biblical principle" it is something that applies to "every day life" regardless of what you do - or don't - believe.

When you consider, and understand, that this "process" is a very definite SEQUENCE, then you will also understand that there are many (maybe even you?) that BEGIN the process/sequence by ASKING but never go any further than that. It is as if they believe that all they have to do is ASK for something and it is going to magically appear and, literally, fall into their laps!

Friend, it just doesn't happen that way. #TRUTH

Much of your determination to proceed with the sequence that will cause you to move past the ASKING part of this sequence will greatly depend upon what it is that you seek. Your "WHY" for asking. What are you going to do? Are you going to just sit back and whine and complain because "nothing is happening"?

Remember, it's a sequence...you ASK and then you SEEK.

 Again, you cannot "ask" and expect the answer or solution to simply fall into your lap! You must keep your eyes open (go back to my last series, "Seeing with NEW Eyes") and be WATCHING and paying attention so that you can SEE that answer (or potential answer) when it appears and/or crosses before you. 

Now then, in the part 2 podcast, I address the question of, "What happens when you get, not just a 'no' but a 'slap in the face, RESOUNDING 'NO'?" Do you just give up? Do you stop asking? Do you stop seeking for an answer or THE answer if/when that happens?

 This is a book that I am currently reading and I HIGHLY recommend that you do the same. It is an EXCELLENT book that is very interesting in it's approach and, at the same time, very POWERFUL in what it has to say and teach us about "drifting" along without any focus or purpose and the dangers of doing so. 

In the part 2 podcast on "ASKING" I point out a couple of things from this book that want to share with you here. 

On page 38 of this book, Napoleon Hill states the following (word emphasis is mine): "...there comes with every experience of temporary defeat, and every failure and every form of adversity, the seed of an equivalent benefit. Mind you, I did not say the full-blown flower of success, but the seed from which that flower may be made to germinate and grow. I know of no exception to this rule. The seed of which I speak may not always be observed, but you may be sure it is there, in one form or another."

Notice that I emphasized the word "temporary" in reference to defeat. This, too, is a CHOICE that you make each and every time you face a difficulty or a set back. Will you allow this to be temporary or, like a child, will you throw a tantrum and allow it to take root in your day, week, month, year and perhaps, even your whole life? 

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN to the "seed of an equivalent benefit". If you have allowed yourself to get so upset and "down" over this temporary failure, you very likely will not "see" or "observe" this "seed" that - in one form or another - is, indeed, there. 

I also share (in part 2 of the podcasts) Napoleon Hill's sharing of Ralph Waldo Emerson's "law of compensation" that can be found on page 41 of this book. It is stated as follows:

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something else." Also, in his journal dated January 8, 1826, he also wrote, "The whole of what we know is a system of compensations. Every defect in one manner is made up in another. Every suffering is rewarded; every sacrifice is made up; every debt is paid."

 As encouraging as these words are, I have to ask you this question: Do you hang around long enough - after your "temporary defeat" to discover this "compensation"? Do you allow yourself to have your head up to where you may be able to "see" this compensation when it comes your way? 

It's like that old saying that my wife reminded me of the other day during our discussion of these podcasts..."When one door shuts, another one opens". However, if you are not looking, that door could open - and also shut - without you ever even noticing!

In the part 2 podcast, I share information about a real estate deal that, the day I recorded the podcast, looked as if it was going to fall through. Hey friend, that was NOT the end result that I wanted or had planned! But, you know what? I decided that I was NOT going to allow this to "ruin my day" or even my next minute. I chose, instead, to believe that if this deal DID fall through then it simply meant that God had something better planned for me. 

My mind immediately went to a new business venture that I was involved in that I would be able to focus on even more if, indeed, this real estate deal did fall through and...guess what?...I was not only o.k. with it but I was also excited about the extra time that I would now be able to focus on in this new venture!

UPDATE: Since the recording of part 2 in the podcasts it looks as if that real estate venture may be "back on track". The main thing is, whether it is or isn't - I'm good either way! Now friend, let me tell you, that is a POWERFUL and much BETTER way to live life!

So, again, you have a choice to make when you ask and the answer appears to be a LOUD and RESOUNDING "NO!". But remember, "Every choice requires a decision and every decision requires a choice."

You have a CHOICE on what you do when you have that "temporary defeat". And, honestly, regardless of what you choose to do, either way, a DECISION has been made.

Will you decide to pull back and give up on what it is that you asked about OR will you decide to keep seeking.

CONSIDER THIS: Honestly, this thought just came to me when I typed that last sentence. Maybe, before continuing to seek an answer to that for which you asked, you should go back and ask again and make sure you are pursuing what you actually need in and for your life. In other words, in my mind and approach, it would be something like, "O.k. God...help me out here. What's my next move? Help me to open my eyes and keep them open to see what it is that YOU want me to see and choose."

Be sure to join me on the next podcast when I dive deeper into the next part of the sequence: SEEKING. 

If you would, please be sure to go to the NEW and IMPROVED website at www.FutureYouUniversity.com and let me know what you think. While you are there, be sure to sign up for your FREE e-book that I have put together for you there AND THEN go to my fan page on Facebook to give me your feedback on the new website as well as my podcasts and blog articles.

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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Podcast #1,000 CELEBRATION! (3 Things I've Learned)

March 2, 2009. 

On that day I published my very first podcast for "Future You University" and, now, 11 years later, I am publishing podcast #1,000. 

So, today, I celebrate the publication of my 1,000th podcast along with 11 years of Future You University! Woo-hoo!

If you would like to join in on that 1,000th episode, please click on the link below for either iTunes or the RSS feed...I'd appreciate it if you did.

Here Are 3 Things I've Learned Through This Past 11 Years:

1. You MUST Be Willing to Adjust

    If I had stuck to my "5 days a week" schedule of publishing this podcast I would easily be celebrating 3,000 podcasts instead of 1,000. But, bottom line, I didn't and I haven't. I didn't stick to my "5 days a week" schedule and I haven't published 3,000 podcasts!

    Does that make me a FAILURE? Nope! It simply means that "life happened" and I've had to make adjustments along the way. Do I wish I could have kept up with my original "5 days a week" schedule all the way through? Yes, I do. I was building up a pretty decent audience at the start and can only imagine what that audience would have been like by now if I had. But, at the same time, I'm proud to have been able to overcome some of the obstacles that have come my way and still persisted to the point of publishing #1,000 today!

2. I Must "Do Me", REGARDLESS

     Even though I have not kept the audience that I was beginning to build and even though I do not get the feedback that I desire, I have kept on "doing me" regardless. I have continued to write my blog articles, record my podcasts and also record some videos along the way. As a matter of fact, to date, I have written 1,050 blog articles, recorded 1,000 podcasts and also recorded 153 YouTube videos (not counting live feeds on social media). 

    Why have I done so even when I have wondered - at times - if anyone was even reading and/or listening? Because it is who I am and I MUST continue to "Be Me" and "Do Me". I love to share information and I love to believe that, in some small way, I have made a positive impact on this world that will live on long after I'm gone. I HAVE made an impact and it WILL live on.

3. I've Left a Lasting Impact

    As I stated in the last paragraph, I know that I have left a positive impact on this world that will live on long after I'm gone. Wow! That puts a smile on my face and a good feeling in my heart because I know that, just as I have done with those that came before me, others will be able to listen to, read and watch my messages that I have published over these past 11 years and in the years to come. 

    I am so thankful that I have the ability to read, watch and hear messages from Napoleon Hill. I've had the opportunity to hear and/or watch messages from many other greats from the past that left this earth either before I was even born or when I was too young to even know anything about them. 

    Though I know that, more than likely, my messages will not be on the same level (popularity) as many of these greats, the fact remains that this information will always be available somewhere for future generations. It is exciting and humbling at the same time.

These 3 lessons that I've learned over the past 11 years also applies to you in your life, friend. As you go through your life you will discover the need to be FLEXIBLE with the ability to ADJUST to life's ups and downs that WILL come your way. I encourage you that, as you do so, you keep your focus and always be sure to "BE you and DO you". Hey, as I've mentioned many times before, YOU ARE UNIQUE to this world and there is no one else like you. And, finally, you WILL leave a lasting impact, one way or another...positive or negative. Do all that you can to leave the best, most positive impact that you can.

Whenever it is that you come across this article, THANK YOU for taking the time to read it. I hope it leaves you something worth your while to consider and absorb in and for your life.

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #34: FAILURE and SUCCESS

 “Without FAILURE one cannot know and experience SUCCESS!”

 - Mike Spillman (07.08.14)

The first definition for the word, "failure", that I came across when I searched was, "The condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or ends." That describes it pretty well, does it not - "...not achieving the desired end or ends". We must deal with failure when we do not achieve (fall short) our desired goal. 

But, the BIG question is this: What do YOU do when you fail or fall short? Some people are afraid to discuss failure because they feel it portrays them as being a loser. 

As we will discuss in this article, failure is a part of success. If you wish to be a success then, friend, you should be prepared to suffer failure.

You have likely heard MANY times the quote by Thomas Edison concerning his failed attempts at developing the electric light bulb, right? If not, here it is...

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Also notice this other quote by Thomas Edison concerning failure or "giving up"... "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

I have stated this before but, friend, the only way that you truly fail is to quit or to give up! The path to success is paved with failure along the way. (Notice the 1st graphic at the beginning of this article.)

I want to leave you with SEVERAL graphics that all deal with the idea of success and failure. Let them inspire you. Let them lift you up and let them spur you on down the road toward SUCCESS.  
 

A failure or a "falling short of your goal" is only a temporary set back unless, again, you decide to give up. DO NOT EVER give up! Instead, GET UP and GET GOING!

And, as you do so, always remember to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #1

Several years ago, when I was first introduced to the late Jim Rohn, I came across a "book of quotes" that he had and I thought it was pretty cool. By the way, I had the chance to hear him speak on several occasions before his death, which is a lesson in and of itself. (Take advantage of opportunities NOW!) Anyway, I remember thinking to myself, "One day, I'm going to have my very own 'Book of Quotes'." As a matter of fact, I remember telling that to a lady that was my sponsor in the MLM company that I was involved in at the time.

So, long story being made just a little bit longer, I started "saving" some of my quotes with that expressed purpose in mind And, now, I've decided to share some of my quotes through my blog articles and, I begin with today's quote:

"What we believe determines GREATLY what we achieve." 

Though it is rather close to the phrase, "If you believe it, you can achieve it!" it actually states something more "encompassing". 

By the way, the quote, "If you believe it, you can achieve it!" is taken from the teachings of Napoleon Hill in the book, "Think and Grow Rich". However, if you actually take the time to read what Mr. Hill actually says about that thought, you will find that he CLEARLY emphasizes the need for ACTION in that formula! He makes it pretty clear that, without action, belief will get you nowhere.

Now, look at my quote that I shared and you will see that, what I describe through my quote, covers "both sides of the spectrum" whether it be POSITIVE or NEGATIVE belief!

If you believe that you can - AND you take action - then, more than likely you can. And, of course, if you believe that you can't then, well...you'll be right in that thought as well. What's that quote that I heard once before? "Whether you believe you can or you can't, you'll be right!" I don't know that it is an exact quote but, you get the point, right? 

The STRENGTH of your belief will determine whether or not you actually take action as well as what KIND of action you take. What is your PURPOSE? PASSION? What is your "WHY"? 

Now, there's one thing more that I want to point out - we must be somewhat realistic in what it is that we believe we can accomplish. I know, I know, I can hear some of you now, but let me explain. 

I just turned 60 years old last week and if I had a "dream", a "goal" or even a "belief" that I was going to be a starter in the NBA then, friend, I would be greatly disappointed! Right? I mean, c'mon people, let's get REAL here! BUT, if I decided that I wanted to be closely connected - in SOME way - with an NBA team then, I can take action and make that a reality in some way! 

This is something that we MUST teach our children, friend! Don't mislead them by telling them that they can do "anything" that they want to do. I get it, I really do but, at the same time, it's important that, at some time, we help them look at different options, different "angles" for what it is that they want to achieve in their life. I hope that makes sense.

Bottom line: We MUST take daily, purposeful action to help build and protect our positive mindset so that we can achieve some POSITIVE due to the fact that we have a POSITIVE belief system about who we are and what we can accomplish. 

And, as you take those daily steps, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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How I Know When I'm On The Right Track

What gets YOUR attention? What is it that "wakes you up" and causes you to think or say, "Hey, maybe there's a message that I need to be paying attention to?"

Hopefully you are not someone that would just look blankly at me if I were able to ask this question to you face to face. 

Very quickly I want to share with you something that happened to me over the past week or so and also share (again) something that happened to me several years ago that was very similar. 

When I was getting ready for my recent LIVE event I came across a quote by Napoleon Hill (posted in the last article) that read, "Don't wait. The time will never be just right". Cool, I knew it would fit in with the night's discussion so I put it together in a graphic format and went about my day. 

I don't remember how many days went by from when I first found that quote for this event but, in a very short period of time I came across that EXACT same quote again and through a different source on the Internet. "Wow, that's interesting" I thought to myself. 

So, again, I did the LIVE event three days ago (from the day of this article) and did the blog article yesterday that featured this - and other - graphics that I used from the event. The, yesterday - guess what? - the exact same quote by Napoleon Hill showed up once again. 

Friend, when a message keeps appearing to me like that then, one, I know I need to pay attention because it is obviously something that I need to apply to my life. And, two, it also "tells me" that I am on the right track with this particular thought!

Here's another example from several years ago that I have shared on more than one occasion via my different avenues of communicating with you. I was out on a ride on my motorcycle (my favorite time to just think with no interruptions) when I came across a sign in front of a church building that read, "Believe in Yourself". (By the way, I got this part reversed in the video recording as well as the podcast but I did catch this on the podcast and corrected it). 

A few more miles down the road and, you know it, the EXACT same message appeared on another sign and, no, this was not some kind of special "Believe in Yourself" day. Yes, after seeing that exact same sign with the exact same words I did think, "Hmmmm...interesting." The thought changed from "interesting" to "Wow! That's something I obviously need to hear/see/receive today!" when I saw the exact same thing on third sign! And then, to complete the message, about three miles from my house as I was driving through my home town, I glanced at one of those "scrolling marquee" signs just in to time see the words, "And Others". 

My "message" was complete! "Believe in Yourself...and Others". 

What's my point? Simply this. I KNOW I am on the right track with a thought or I am being PLACED on the right track when I see such a thought repeated to me in a short span of time.

What about you? 

Sometimes we can get so busy and caught up with "stuff" that we just don't pay attention.

So, today, I simply want to encourage you to just "pay attention". No, don't search this stuff out but DO be aware of these "messages" that may come your way.

Have you had such experiences? I'd love to hear about them! Specifically, if you would, please to to my "fan page" on FBook and leave the comment there.

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

"Life is a HABIT...Does YOURS Need to be Broken?" - Mike Spillman

I recently visited with an elderly lady about her need for final expense (burial) insurance. She had filled out a card and requested to get more information about this. She acknowledged to me that she knew she needed to do something to keep her family from having to come up with the money to pay from her funeral and she acknowledged that the price I presented to her was right "on target".

That was about 3 weeks or so ago and, to this day, she still has not done anything about it and, guess what? She never will. How do I know this? Because LIFE IS A HABIT and her habit has been to NOT take action on something that she has known for quite some time that she needed to get done.

Another word for "habit" might even be "rut". It's hard to break a habit and it's hard to get out of a rut!

As is the case regarding ANY significant change, the beginning IS ALWAYS the hardest part of the process. It goes against what we are comfortable with and it goes against our "daily routine" of this habit. But, just like the activity that takes place when one of those "strongest man" contestants start to pull a train car with nothing but a rope, the hardest part is the beginning! Yet, after much effort and determination, MOMENTUM finally starts to "kick in" and the wheels of that train begin to finally move. Slowly at first but they begin to roll with more ease as this momentum continues to work in the contestants favor.

As funny as this little cartoon is, the point of it is actually kind of sad, is it not? Isn't it time to finally get past this "hamster wheel" mentality that so many (you?) do year after year with these, so-called, New Year's Resolutions? Stop talking and start doing!

Wow, what good news, right? If you go back and read my blog and listen to the podcast that I did right before the start of this new year ("Happy New Day? Happy New Year!) you find this very thing talked about. If you have followed me for very long then you have also heard me discuss the fact (yes, I said "fact") that TOMORROW does NOT exist! That 24 hour period into the future does not exist - it has not even arrived into the realm of reality. And, in the same way, that 24 hour period in the past that we call "YESTERDAY" no longer exists as well. It's gone and can never be relived or recovered. So, TODAY is the day to start making your move. Bottom line, it's all you have, friend.

GET UP AND MOVE ON! Stop dwelling on your past disappointments...what good does that do you but to disappoint you even more? Today is the day to decide to "get up and move on"!

Are you in sales? If so, you need to "google" this guy and check out his stuff. I found this quote of his the other day and I love what it says even though it is hard to accept sometimes. But, it is TRUTH! Whether you are talking about weight loss or job and/or career success, there are many that want the RESULT but that are not willing to "pay the price". That price? CHANGE. And, again, any significant change is not easy. Never has been, never will be. HOWEVER, again, with momentum, that change becomes less and less of a burden as you continue to move forward.

So, are you all talk? Do you spend all of your time "dreaming" about what you will achieve and, are you one of those people that keeps telling everyone else what you are GOING TO DO? Dreaming is important! One must have a "dream" that will challenge them to move forward. However, as Jack Canfield says, the difference between just dreaming and actually putting action behind that dream (PURSUING your passion) is "taking the first step".

Forget about the past! Remember, it's gone. Yes, absolutely LEARN from the past but do not allow yourself to continue to LIVE in the past. So, regardless of what you have been "planting" in the past (you may likely be "harvesting" that now) you can still "plant a new crop" starting TODAY. This is not just a "cheesy" saying or thought...it is a FACT of life, friend.

What is in your heart? What is it that you REALLY want to do and/or accomplish? What is it that "stirs" your soul and creates "purpose" in and for your life? When you allow yourself to "tune in" to whatever that is for you, your "vision" (path, direction) will become clear. Do you believe that?  For years I kept hearing about the need to create a "mission statement" for your life. I even would almost "stress out" over the fact that I couldn't come up with one. I literally would try to put something into words but I kept falling short and, as a result, I also would get discouraged. However, "out of the dark" (so to speak) as I was "immersed" in positive information it just "came to me" and came in a very clear and powerful message. The next graphic is what I came up with (or, perhaps, what came to me):

I need to work harder on getting back to this focus but, the point is, once my "heart" took over, THIS literally just "came out" or "appeared" to me. No, it wasn't magic and it definitely came from my inner thoughts and feelings (my heart). It can only be "real" and "true" when it comes out of your heart. 

Today is the day, my friend. Haven't you waited long enough? Haven't you procrastinated long enough? Are you tired of breaking the promises that you have made to yourself over the years? ONE DAY AT A TIME breaks things down into much smaller "steps" that need to be taken. You don't look at the idea of losing 50 lbs. over the next twelve months and become overwhelmed. What you DO is break that down to what is needed monthly and then daily and start making that journey.  (By the way, that comes out to .13 lbs per day).

Why so many graphics in today's article? These are the graphics that I shared in my recent LIVE stream broadcast that you can still find on the FaceBook page. These thoughts were also shared on the podcast that goes along with this blog (click the link below for either RSS feed or iTunes) so I wanted to be sure and share them with you here.

Well? Now what? 

That's up to you. "LIFE IS A HABIT"...what do you need to do with yours?

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

BELIEF Without ACTION is WORTHLESS!

"ACTION! - Faith Without Works is Dead! - Belief Without ACTION is Worthless!"

 The Bible states, "Faith without works is dead." (James 2:20). The basic discussion behind this verse is the idea that, you can say anything you want but, without SHOWING what you believe by your ACTIONS, your words mean nothing.

Let's talk about that angle first. You can SAY that you love someone but, friend, you can SAY anything you want, but it's what you DO that REALLY shows if you love that person or not. You can SAY that you CARE about someone but, again, it's what you DO that truly shows what you really feel. 

Someone can say the words, "I'm sorry", and say them again and again and again but, if they never change their actions (which would indicate remorse and the desire to do things differently) then, quite honestly, their words are empty and hollow. They mean nothing. 

For years I have said the following: "You live what you believe." 

The same is true when it comes to what you SAY about what you want to achieve in and for your life. Talk is great! Getting "fired up" by listening to a powerful speaker is great but, if that's all that ever comes from it then, honestly, what has it helped you accomplish?

Have you ever grown tired of listening to someone continuously talk about what they are GOING to do? Maybe you have grown tired to the point that you finally said something like, "When are you going to stop TALKING and start DOING?" 

How about yourself? Are you holding yourself to that same standard? Do you need to ask YOURSELF when you are going to stop TALKING and start DOING? 

Several years back, while working with one of the churches that I did as a minister, I developed a program that I called "Dreamers and Doers". The idea behind it was, simply, to try to get a group of people to go beyond TALKING about things that needed to be done or that "we" wanted to happen and to start DOING things to actually make those things HAPPEN!

The difference between DREAMING and DOING is...are you ready for it?...ACTION! 

Many people give Napoleon Hill a "bad rap" by saying that he believed that all you had to do was believe something and it would take place. People often misquote/misapply the his idea that what the mind believes, one can achieve. However, if one would take the time to actually read his book, "Think and Grow Rich", they will clearly see that Mr. Hill points out that ACTION is an absolute necessity in this process. ACTION! 

Hey, don't ever forget that, even if you "take two steps forward and one step back", you are still making progress. So, here's an easy equation to remember: BELIEF + ACTION = PROGRESS.

Once again, if you haven't done so yet, you need to listen to the podcast on today's topic. Just click one of the links at the bottom of this article to do so. There is SO MUCH MORE information and additional thoughts that I share with you there that is not found in this article. 

If you listen by going to iTunes, please take a moment and leave a review - I thank you in advance! Also, be sure to stop by the FYU fan page on Facebook and let me know that you left that review AND to just say "hello" and let me know that you are benefiting from Future You University. 

As always, THANKS for joining me today and, please, share this with as many as possible and always be sure to keep moving forward, closer to your dream!

And, until next time, whatever you do,  be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

How To Surround Yourself With Better People

If you haven't done so already, go back and read the last blog article and listen to the accompanying podcast. It "sets the stage" for today's discussion.

 

So, hopefully, you understand the importance and necessity of surrounding yourself with "better" people. Now then, how does one do that?

 

I hope that you have spent some time brainstorming some ideas on how you could do that where you are. I'd still love to hear from you and have you share some of your ideas with me.

 

Here's a hint and it doesn't always have to be 100% accurate but, nonetheless, pay attention: This "new group" of "better people" will likely NOT include any of your current friends. It is possible, but it is not likely and, I might even add that it may not be advisable. Now, if you have a friend that has actually helped introduce you to the idea of improving your mindset and being careful of those with whom you spend your time then, definitely consider them as a part of this important group.

 

Make sense?

 

This group is not the same as getting together with a group of friends and just hanging out. This is far more important than that. YES, having time with friends is important and necessary as well, but, again, we're talking about doing what you MUST DO in order to keep your mind positive.

 

Perhaps a better way for me to explain this is to share with you a definition that comes from Napoleon Hill himself. The following comes from http://www.thesuccessalliance.com/what-is-a-mastermind-group.html:

    

The concept of the "mastermind alliance" was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in his timeless classic, "Think And Grow Rich," though mastermind groups have been around since the beginning of time. Even Benjamin Franklin belonged to such a group, which he called a Junto.

Napoleon Hill wrote about the mastermind group principle as:

"The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony."

He continues…

"No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind [the master mind]."

 

You don't have to call this a "mastermind group". There are TONS of ideas and suggestions on HOW to start such a group and even what you should do in your "mastermind group".

 

However, someone else may have thoughts and ideas that don't apply to you and what you are wanting to achieve.

 

The main thing is this: FIND A GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT ARE FOCUSED ON BEING POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO DO THE SAME!

 

No negativity allowed but, instead, the support and strength of like-minded individuals!

 

**IMPORTANT: Do NOT allow yourself to get caught up in finding someone of the opposite sex to "understand you" if you are married. Do NOT create an issue with your spouse by doing so. This is a sure way to create DISTRUST, JEALOUSY and DISASTER in your relationship!

 

 

 

 

 So how do I go about this?

A few quick suggestions that we may continue discussing in the next article...
 *put an ad in your local paper  *put a notice on your FB page and see who may be interested  *look for such groups in your FB groups (needs to be in your area if possible - face to face is better than just online but online IS an option)  *check your local paper for such groups or the internet for such local groups  *seek out people that you have admired before that seem to fit this type of mindset

What ideas do YOU have? Share them on the Future You University page on FB  - c'mon, let me hear from you!

Friend, this could be THE positive turn in your life for which you have been searching. And, you know what? It may also be the same thing for everyone else that ends up being a part of your group of "better people".

Until next time, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

 

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If You Call It...

"If you build it, they will come." Most all of us - depending on age - will instantly recognize that famous quote from the 1989 movie, "Field of Dreams". Do the research yourself if you don't know what I'm talking about and, do yourself a favor, find a copy of that movie and WATCH IT!

 

However, for the purposes of today's blog, I am going to share a bit different take on a similar quote:  "If you call it, it will come." - Bob Proctor

 

"It" in this quote refers to money. That's right, money. If you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read the last blog article that is the beginning of my discussion of Bob Proctor's "The Science of Getting Rich" and also be sure to notice the addressing of the whole "money is the root of all evil" misapplication.

 

The "warning" that I shared in that article also applies to this one - YOU NEED TO OPEN YOUR MIND TO THE POSSIBILITIES!

 

The notes I took after watching a video with Mr. Proctor sharing insights on this started off (for this part) with the words, "MONEY CAN'T TALK BUT IT CAN HEAR!" And then, the line that I used to tease you with in the title, "If you call it, it will come!"

 

Again, immediately, there are some of you that will want to push this aside and dismiss it as fantasy are "silly talk" but, again, I ask that you open your mind and consider the possibilities IF this is true.

 

I do believe 100% that it is true but I have to admit that I'm still working on putting that belief into total action. Hey, like I said before, it flies in the face of about everything I've ever been taught (and likely you, too!) about money and how to "get" money.

 

But, here's the thing - I have seen this, read this and heard this from many others besides Mr. Proctor! As a matter of fact, long before I even ever HEARD of Mr. Proctor, I had a friend's wife tell me the same thing (in general) about her own husband. She basically told me that "making money is easy" for him. THAT BLEW MY MIND!

 

You see, we tend to put OUR struggles and experiences onto anyone and everyone else and then WE struggle to accept that "making money is easy" for ANYONE! But how could I dispute what she said? There was PROOF right before my eyes! He had found "the secret" in the area of work that he was in and he had the ability to make money without the struggle that I was having at the time.

 

So, listen, when someone along the lines of Bob Proctor tells me that "If you call it (money), it will come!" then I need to PAY ATTENTION!

 

Too, long before Bob Proctor began to share this thinking there was a man by the name of Napoleon Hill that wrote a book entitled, "Think & Grow Rich" that had these types of thoughts in it's pages. (This is another book that you should be able to find for free as an e-book online fairly easily and I HIGHLY recommend that you snag it up!).

 

From that book, Mr. Hill says, "When money starts coming, it will come so fast and so furious that you will wonder where it's been hiding during all of those lean years!"

 

I have actually heard people say very similar things concerning money and their life so, because of all of the evidence, I would have to conclude that, indeed, this IS possible! It IS possible to earn as much as I want (see last article) and "making money" can be "easy".

 

BUT, in order for this true in my life (and yours as well) then I must PAY ATTENTION to, LISTEN to and DO what those successful people have done and continue to do. Right?

 

NOTE: Too many want what successful people have but are unwilling to DO what they have DONE in order to reach that level of success. And you?

 

Mr. Proctor also shares that, "It's not so much WHAT you do but HOW you do it." and that "People don't get rich by doing certain things, they do so by doing things a certain way."

 

Again, if you allow yourself to believe that this CAN be true in your life then wouldn't it only make sense to PAY ATTENTION to what someone like this says? OF COURSE IT DOES!

 

Here is a very specific "secret" that Mr. Proctor (among many others) shares with us about how to achieve these things: "Decide what you WANT, write it on a card, carry it with you and look at it several times throughout your day!"

 

Do NOT allow yourself to miss that! It is SIMPLE but the SIMPLE TRUTH is that MANY people will not do it because of it's SIMPLICITY! "They" will say, "Ha! That won't work! That's silly!"

 

But notice that "they" are not successful. Notice that "they" will stay where they are and never step out to allow themselves the change to improve their lives and the lives of their family. "They" do not have the qualifications to speak on such matters.

 

Do you understand that? There are always plenty of "They said's" out there. But, again, ask yourself this all-important question: "What are THEIR qualifications?".

 

Now, DECIDE what you WANT - write it on a card (get very SPECIFIC with this), carry it with you and look at it several times throughout your day!

 

Will YOU? Some will. Some won't and those that won't will continue to grip and complain about their sad state of affairs.

 

And YOU?

 

Join me next time as we continue with these thoughts and, until then, be sure to...

 

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

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